If you are arriving in Kolkata by plane, take a pre-paid taxi from the airport – the desk is located on the right before the exit. This will not cost more than 200Rupees, but drivers will try and ask for more, so be prepared!

- Many volunteers find accommodation on Sudder Street, which has a host of backpacker type dormitories. Sudder Street is a 20minute walk from Motherhouse. Closer accommodation can be found at Monica House on A.J.C Bose Rd, opposite Shishu Bhavan, and at Bely Guest House – right next door to Motherhouse, above the WEB internet café. There is no need to book rooms in advance. Dorm beds cost around 100-150rupees a night.

It is advisable to get your shots [Typhoid, Hep A and B, Tetanus] and bring with you any prescription medication you are taking. Personally, I did not take antimalarials, but these are available in Kolkata [as is most medication] much cheaper than in the west.

You do not have to write to the sisters or call before you arrive. However, you do need to register as a volunteer before you can start working in the centres. To do this, bring your passport to Shishu Bhavan, located at 78 A.J.C Bose Road, at 3pm sharp, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Alternatively, the Sister in charge of volunteers issues day passes at breakfast in Motherhouse, [54a A.J.C Bose Road] after mass in the mornings.

Mass is at 6am every day at Motherhouse, followed by a breakfast of bananas, bread and chai. You don’t have to attend mass to get breakfast, but you’re most welcome. At 7.30 we say a prayer, and disperse for work. Volunteers are also welcome to Adoration, which is at 6.30pm every evening except on Thursdays and Sundays when it’s at 6pm.

Be aware that many of the beggars working in the vicinity of Motherhouse are professional. It is difficult at first to understand the many levels of poverty in Kolkata, but it is not encouraged to give money to people in the street.

There are many places to eat around Sudder Street, with Blue Sky Café being a favourite haunt amongst volunteers. On AJC Bose Road, Delhi-Dabar serves cheap rice and dahl at lunchtime, and fantasti khati rolls [a Kolkata speciality] in the evenings. Hotel Circular, on the other side of A.J.C Bose Road, offers a range of cuisine, but be prepared for slow service! Alternatively, if you have cooking facilities, there are many bazaars which sell fresh fruit and vegetables, and there is a supermarket chain called MORE, located at New Market, and Elliot Road.

For treats, Flury’s on Park Street offers wonderful cakes and afternoon tea. Kolkata also has a KFC on Middleton Row, and a pizzeria called Fire and Ice on Camac Street. Be kind to yourself, volunteering can be hard work. If you’re in need of a break, you could also head to the Forum on Elgin Road, where there is an INOX cinema showing western and Indian films.

Do be careful of the water; make sure you drink bottled water, and check the seal first.

Be prepared to wash your clothes in a bucket! One thing I’ve learnt over the years is to wash my clothes every day, otherwise it is really hard work! You can buy detergent [brands like Ariel] at many street stalls. Soak them first, and then get scrubbing!

You can receive mail at Motherhouse, kept in a box in the breakfast room. Letters should be addressed c/o Sister in charge of volunteers, Missionaries of Charity, Motherhouse, 54a A.J.C Bose Road, Kolkata 700016, West Bengal, INDIA.

If you’re working in Kalighat, Prem Dan or Daya Dan, you will need to get a bus to work. It is advisable to keep a ready supply of coins, as the conductors don’t like giving change. It costs 4rupees from Motherhouse to Kalighat.

Thursdays are volunteers day off. There is no breakfast on Thursdays, but there are often volunteer activities arranged such as visits to Titagargh, the leprosy centre run by the MC brothers.

Take a deep breath, a journal to write in, and be prepared for a life changing experience!

Tips for volunteering in Kolkata

Many people have found volunteering to be the experience of a lifetime. Volunteers are welcome to help the sisters in their service to the poorest of the poor for a week, a month, or longer.

The qualifications required for volunteering:

“Hearts to love and hands to serve!”

(Mother Teresa)

You are not required to call or write to the sisters ahead of time to go to Kolkata to volunteer.

Simply “show up” for Orientation and Registration:

At: 3 p.m.

Nirmala Shishu Bhavan (Home for Children),

78, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata – 700016

On: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Please bring your passport as you are required to show it to the Volunteers’ Coordinator at the Orientation.

Note: Volunteers’ Coordinators are not available on Sundays and Thursdays.

Thursday is a day of prayer for the Sisters.

There is also no orientation and registration on the following days:

The Monday after Easter

August 22

September 6

December 26

Volunteers share in the works of love at the Homes for: the dying destitutes, children, and physically and mentally challenged children.

Details will be given at the Orientation.

For those who wish to join the sisters for Mass and Holy Hour at Motherhouse (54, A.J.C. Bose Road, Kolkata – 700016) or to see the Museum, the schedule is as follows: